"While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro's supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for 'el Comandante,'''said Trudeau, whose late father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, had a warm friendship with Castro.

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Trudeau's reaction prompted strong criticism on Twitter from two Republican U.S. senators, Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas, both Cuban-Americans.

Is this a real statement or a parody? Because if this is a real statement from the PM of Canada it is shameful & embarrassing. https://t.co/lFXeqU7Ws0

In a statement released by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter through his charity the Carter Center in Atlanta, Carter said he and his wife Rosalynn "remember fondly our visits with him in Cuba and his love of his country." The couple visited Cuba in 2002, long after Carter left office.

While most of the official remembrances were complimentary, a few emphasized less-flattering views of the late leader.

Trump elaborated on his initial tweet later Saturday, calling Castro "a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades."

Trump says Castro left a legacy of "firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights."

Florida Governor Rick Scott tweeted his thoughts on Castro's death and relations with Cuba in English and Spanish.

I called @RealDonaldTrump to let him know that the State of Florida will help his administration to support a pro-democracy movement in Cuba